Parents often wonder whether or not kids need dental sealants to enjoy the best in dental health. While brushing and flossing can keep teeth and gums healthy in children, it’s not always easy to ensure the children adhere to a good dental routine at home. Even after brushing completely, children’s teeth may experience trapped food particles and plaque in the grooves and fissures of teeth. This can result in decay and cavities over time. Dental sealants are an effective way to deal with this problem. It is nothing more than a thin protective coating that is applied to children’s teeth in order to protect against tooth decay. Most importantly, this type of treatment prevents decay in vulnerable areas of the molars and premolars by sealing out unwanted particles of food and plaque.

Applied to the Tooth Enamel and Hardens Quickly

The application of a dental sealant is rather simple by design. The application is actually quick, painless and noninvasive. The first step in applying this type of sealant in dentistry is to make sure that the teeth are thoroughly cleaned and dried. Then a solution is applied to the chewing surface of the tooth as a way to provide for better bonding with the sealant. Finally, the sealant is applied to the tooth enamel and hardens quickly. Once the process is complete, a child’s teeth will be well protected from potential tooth decay for several years. As a note, regular dental checkups are essential to ensuring that sealants are functioning as intended. If there is a breakdown in the sealant, they must be reapplied to ensure the best possible protection from cavities.

Reduce the Chances of Cavities

With so much to offer, dental sealants are a smart approach to protecting children’s teeth at the very earliest ages. That said nothing replaces a good well-established and comprehensive home dental care program. Parents should work closely with their children to make sure that they understand exactly how to brush and floss correctly. It is this dedication to good dental health at home that will reduce the chances of cavities and other dental health related problems later on in life. From reducing the chances of periodontal disease to enjoying a vibrant and radiant smile, modern dentistry along with dental sealants and other techniques and procedures provide the absolute best in dental care for patients young and old alike. Contact your Elk Grove dental care provider, My Huynh, DMD at Laguna Park Dentistry today for more information on how kids need dental sealants and how this treatment can improve your child’s dental health.